Subtype Specific Elevated Expression of Hyaluronidase-1 (HYAL-1) in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

作者:Yoffou Paule Helena*; Edjekouane Lydia; Meunier Liliane; Tremblay Andre; Provencher Diane Michele; Mes Masson Anne Marie; Carmona Euridice
来源:PLos One, 2011, 6(6): e20705.
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0020705

摘要

Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is morphologically heterogeneous being classified as serous, endometrioid, clear cell, or mucinous. Molecular genetic analysis has suggested a role for tumor suppressor genes located at chromosome 3p in serous EOC pathogenesis. Our objective was to evaluate the expression of HYAL1, located at chromosome 3p21.3, in these EOC subtypes, and to investigate its correlation with the expression of steroid hormone receptors. Methodology/Principal Findings: We determined the mRNA expression of HYAL1, estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha, ER beta and progesterone receptor (PR) in EOC tumor samples and cell lines using quantitative RT-PCR. We also examined the expression of these genes in a publicly available microarray dataset. HYAL-1 enzyme activity was measured in EOC cell lines and in plasma samples from patients. We found that HYAL1 mRNA expression was elevated in clear cell and mucinous EOC tissue samples, but not in serous and endometrioid samples, normal ovaries or benign tumors. Similar results were obtained by two different techniques and with tissue sample cohorts from two independent institutions. Concordantly, HYAL1 mRNA levels and enzymatic activity were elevated only in EOC cell lines derived from clear cell and mucinous subtypes. We also showed that HYAL1 mRNA was inversely correlated to that of ER alpha specifically in clear cell and mucinous EOCs. Additionally, ectopic expression of ERa in a clear cell EOC cell line (ER- and PR-negative) induced 50% reduction of HYAL1 mRNA expression, supporting a role of ER alpha in HYAL1 gene regulation. Significantly, HYAL-1 activity was also high in the plasma of patients with these EOC subtypes. Conclusions/Significance: This is the first report showing high HYAL-1 levels in EOC and demonstrating HYAL1 gene repression by ER alpha. Our results identify Hyaluronidase-1 as a potential target/biomarker for clear cell and mucinous EOCs and especially in tumors with low ER alpha levels.

  • 出版日期2011-6-10